Kukla's Korner Hockey

Atlanta Thrashers forward Ilya Kovalchuk has threatened to follow fellow countryman Pavel Datsyuk and play in Russia this season, only it appears that Datsyuk has left the door open for the Detroit Red Wings to sign him before training camp opens next week.
According to a National Hockey League source, Datsyuk has yet to file his contract with the Russian Professional Hockey League and has given the Wings a Sunday deadline to work out a contract.
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Kovalchuk and the Thrashers remain far apart in their contract discussions. Kovalchuk wants a long-term deal worth between $6.66-million and $7-million a season, too steep a price for Thrashers general manager Don Waddell.
With no reason for immediate optimism a deal can be worked out between the squabbling sides, Kovalchuk is scheduled to play for Khimik of the Russian league next week.